Shared Genetic Roots of Multiple Sclerosis Identified Across Diverse Ancestries
A new study published in Neurology and led by Queen Mary University of London has revealed that individuals of South Asian, African, and European ancestry share many of the same genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). This research marks one of the most ancestrally diverse genetic analyses of MS conducted to date.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and the Require for Diverse Research
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. It impacts approximately 150,000 people in the UK and over two million worldwide. Despite its prevalence, most genetic research on MS has historically focused on individuals of European ancestry, creating gaps in our understanding of the disease across different populations.
Key Findings of the Study
The research team analyzed genetic data from over 3,000 people with MS and more than 27,000 individuals without the condition (controls). Data was sourced from the ADAMS Project, which prioritizes recruitment from diverse backgrounds, and the UK Biobank. The study pinpointed that genetic variations within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region – a crucial component of the immune system and a known driver of MS risk – were consistently associated with MS across all three ancestral groups: South Asian, African, and European.
Ancestry-Specific Genetic Variations
While shared genetic factors were prominent, the study also identified some differences. A specific genetic variant potentially reducing MS risk was found to be relatively common in people of South Asian ancestry but rare in those of European descent. This finding underscores the importance of inclusive research, as such variants might be missed in studies limited to a single ancestral group.
Shared Biological Mechanisms
The research suggests that MS is driven by shared underlying immune and biological mechanisms across populations, rather than being a fundamentally different disease in different ancestry groups. Most genetic variants previously identified in European populations were also present in people of South Asian and African ancestry, though the strength of these effects varied.
Addressing Racial Disparities in MS Outcomes
Previous research has highlighted racial disparities in MS outcomes, with individuals of Black ethnic backgrounds often experiencing more severe disability and poorer disease progression. While genetics alone don’t explain these inequalities, the historical lack of representation in genetic research may contribute to delayed diagnosis, under-recognition, or less accurate assessments of MS in these groups. It raises concerns about the generalizability of genetic risk tools and treatments developed primarily using European-focused data.
The Importance of Diversity in Genetic Research
“MS genetics has, until now, been overwhelmingly based on people of European ancestry,” says Ruth Dobson, Study Lead Author and Professor of Clinical Neurology at Queen Mary University of London. “This study shows that while many of the biological pathways driving MS are shared, leaving large parts of the global population out of research limits our understanding of the disease. Better representation is not only a fairness issue, but it also leads to better science.”
Dr. Benjamin Jacobs, Clinical Lecturer in Neurology at Queen Mary University of London and co-author of the study, emphasizes, “This work demonstrates why diversity matters in genetics. When studies only include one ancestral group, they miss significant insights. By broadening participation, we can sharpen our understanding of MS, find risk factors that would otherwise stay hidden, and build prediction tools that work for everyone.”
Future Directions and Implications
Caitlin Astbury, Senior Research Communications Manager at the MS Society, notes, “Research like this is vital to ensure that progress in MS treatments, diagnosis, and risk prediction benefits everyone.” The study highlights the need for broader representation in genetic research to improve understanding of the disease and address existing health inequities. The authors emphasize that equitable predictive genetics requires a more inclusive scientific approach.
This research, published in Neurology, underscores the critical role of diverse participation in genetic studies to advance our knowledge of MS and ensure that advancements benefit all affected individuals.